Carbohydrate determinant selection system for homologous recombination

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a system for selecting a cell that has undergone genetic alteration by homologous recombination from amongst a population of cells that do not have the alteration. The successfully targeted cells are identified and separated according to surface glycosylation that has changed as a result of the homologous recombination. The recombination event may inactivate an endogenous gene, or introduce a transgene, either of which encodes a carbohydrate modulating enzyme, such as α(1,3)galactosyltransferase or α(1,2)fucosyltransferase. Altering carbohydrate modulating enzymes can be done for producing tissue with altered carbohydrate determinants, or as a means for tracking inactivation or insertion of other genetic elements for a variety of purposes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/105,963, filed Mar. 21, 2002 (pending), through which it claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 60/277,811, filed Mar. 21, 2001. The priority applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, as are U.S. Ser. No. 60/277,749 and issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,147,276, 6,252,133, and 6,261,836.

BACKGROUND

The acute shortage of human organs for transplantation provides a compelling need for the development of new sources of suitable tissue. An idea of considerable promise is to transplant patents with organs from non-human animals. The main challenge to overcome is rendering foreign tissue immunologically compatible with the patient being treated.

Tissue from most mammalian species would undergo hyperacute rejection when transplanted into humans. This is because human plasma contains natural antibodies against carbohydrate determinants of the animal tissue, thought to originate through prior immune stimulation by dietary antigen or mucosal microflora. Since the antibodies are pre-formed, rejection occurs within days of the transplant.

The main target for the natural antibodies mediating rejection is cell-surface oligosaccharides expressing the determinant Galα(1,3)Gal (reviewed by Joziasse et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1455:403, 1999). Humans, apes and Old World monkeys differ from other mammals in that they lack α-galactosyl epitopes in complex oligosaccharides. Other mammals express the Galα(1,3)Gal epitope prominently on the surface of nucleated cells, including hepatic cells, renal cells, and vascular endothelium—which is especially problematic for xenotransplantation of whole organs.

The Galα(1,3)Gal epitope is made by a specific enzyme, α(1,3)galactosyltransferase, abbreviated in this disclosure as α1,3GT. The transferase uses UDP-galactose as a source of galactose, which it transfers specifically to an acceptor oligosaccharide, usually Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc (N-acetyl lactosamine). In mammals that don't express the Galα(1,3)Gal product, the α1,3GT locus is inactivated (Gailili et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 15:7401, 1991). There are frameshift and nonsense mutations within the locus, turning it into a non-functional, processed pseudogene (Laarsen et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265:7055, 1990; Joziasse et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:6991, 1991).

In humans, N-acetyl lactosamine acceptor oligosaccharides are processed differently. The enzyme α(1,2)fucosyltransferase builds the N-acetyl lactosamine into Fucα(1,2)Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc, which is blood group H substance. This in turn serves as an acceptor substance for blood group A GlcNAc- transferase, or blood group B Gal-transferase, forming A-substance or B-substance, respectively, depending on the blood type of the individual. Naturally occurring antibodies circulating in the blood are reactive against the alternative carbohydrate determinants that are not self-antigens.

Larsen et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:8227, 1989) isolated and characterized a cDNA encoding murine α1,3GT. Joziasse et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 267:5534, 1992) detected four distinct mRNA transcripts, which predict four different isoforms of the α1,3GT. The full-length mouse mRNA (including 5′ untranslated mRNA) was reported to span at least 35-kb of genomic DNA, distributed over nine exons ranging from 36 base pairs to ˜2600 base pairs in length. Numbering in the 5′ to 3′ direction, the coding region is distributed over Exons 4 to 9. The four transcripts are formed by alternative splicing of the pre- mRNA.

Joziasse et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 264:14290, 1989) isolated and characterized a cDNA encoding bovine cDNA. The coding sequence was predicted to be a membrane-bound protein with a large glycosylated COOH-terminal domain, a transmembrane domain, and a short NH₂ terminal domain.

The porcine α1,3GT cDNA sequence has been reported from several different laboratories: Strahan et al. (Immunogenetics 41:101, 1995); U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,117; U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,991; and International Patent Application WO 95/28412. The genomic organization of porcine α1,3GT was reported by Katayama et al. (Glycoconjugate J. 15:83, 1998). Again, the coding region spans six exons, conserving the arrangement present in the mouse genome, and extending over nearly 24-kb.

It has been reported that about 95% of the naturally occurring xenospecific antibody in humans recognize the Galα(1,3)Gal epitope (McKensie et al., Transpl. Immunol. 2:81, 1994). Antibody in human serum binds specifically to pig endothelial cells in a manner that is inhibitable by Galα(1,3)Gal, or by Galα(1,6)Glc (melibiose). New age monkeys have the same naturally occurring antibody, and demonstrate hyperacute rejection of pig organ xenotransplants. The rejection reaction can be obviated in experimental animals by infusing the recipient with the free carbohydrate (Ye et al., Transplantation 58:330, 1994), or by adsorbing antibody from the circulation on a column of Galα(1,3)Gal or melibiose (Cooper et al., Xenotransplantation 3:102, 1996).

It has been suggested that xenotransplants of pig tissue could provide a source of various tissue components—heart valves, pancreatic islet cells, and perhaps large organs such as livers and kidneys (Cowley, Newsweek, Jan. 1, 2000). If xenotransplants from non-primates into humans is ever to become viable, then techniques need to be developed to prevent Galα(1,3)Gal mediated rejection. Possible genetic manipulation strategies are reviewed by Gustafsson et al. (Immunol. Rev. 141:59, 1994), Sandrin et al. (Frontiers Biosci. 2:e1-11, 1997), and Lavitrano et al. (Forum Genova 9:74, 1999).

One approach is to prevent the formation of Galα(1,3)Gal by providing another transferase that competes with α1,3GT for the N-acetyl lactosamine acceptor. International Patent Application WO 97/12035 (Nextran-Baxter) relates to transgenic animals that express at least one enzyme that masks or reduces the level of the xenoreactive antigens by competing with α1,3GT. The enzymes proposed are α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (that makes H antigen in humans), α(2,6)sialyltransferase, and β(1,3)N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. It is thought that once N-acetyl lactosamine has been converted by one of these transferases, it can no longer act as an acceptor for α1,3GT. The xenotransplantation cells of Application WO 97/12035 have at least one enzyme that reduces Galα(1,3)Gal expression, and also express a complement inhibitor such as CD59, decay accelerating factor (DAF), or membrane cofactor protein (MCP). Expression of human CD59 in transgenic pig organs enhances organ survival in an ex vivo xenogeneic perfusion model (Kroshus et al., Transplantation 61:1513, 1996).

Another approach is to disassemble Galα(1,3)Gal after it is formed. International Patent Application WO 95/33828 (Diacrin) suggests modifying cells for xenogeneic transplants by treating tissue with an α-glycosidase. Osman et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 23:4677, 1997) reported that combined transgenic expression of both α-glycosidase and α(1,2)fucosyltransferase leads to optimal reduction in Galα(1,3)Gal epitope. Splenocytes from mice overexpressing human α-glycosidase showed only a 15-25% reduction in binding of natural human anti-Galα(1,3)Gal antibodies. Mice overexpressing human α(1,2)fucosyltransferase as a transgene showed a reduction of Galα(1,3)Gal epitopes by ˜90%. Doubly transfected COS cells expressing both the glycosidase and the transferase showed negligible cell surface staining with anti-Galα(1,3)Gal, and were not susceptible to lysis by human serum containing antibody and complement.

A further alternative is to prevent Galα(1,3)Gal expression in the first place. Strahan et al. (Xenotransplantation 2:143, 1995) reported the use of antisense oligonucleotides for inhibiting pig α1,3GT, leading to a partial reduction in expression of the major target for human natural antibodies on pig vascular endothelial cells. Hayashi et al. (Transplant Proc. 29:2213, 1997) reported adenovirus- mediated gene transfer of antisense ribozyme for α1,3GT and α(1,2)fucosyltransferase genes in xenotransplantation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,991 (Bresatch) describes DNA constructs based on the mouse α1,3GT sequence. They are designed to disrupt expression of functional α1,3GT by undergoing homologous recombination across Exon 4, 7, 8, or 9. The constructs contain a selectable marker such as neo^(R), hyg^(R) or thymidine kinase. It is proposed that such constructs be introduced into mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, and recovering cells in which at least one α1,3GT gene is inactivated. Experiments are reported which produced mice that are homozygous for inactivated α1,3GT, resulting in lack of expression of Galα(1,3)Gal epitope, as determined by specific antibody.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,117 (Austin Research Inst.) report cDNA sequence data for porcine α1,3GT. This was used to probe a pig genomic DNA library, and two lambda phage clones were obtained that contain different regions of the porcine transferase gene. International Patent Application WO 95/28412 (Biotransplant) also reports cDNA sequence data for porcine α1,3GT. It is proposed that genomic DNA fragments be isolated from an isogenic DNA library, and used to develop a gene-targeting cassette including a positive or negative selectable marker.

International Patent Application WO 99/21415 (Stem Cell Sciences, Biotransplant) reports construction of a DNA library from miniature swine. A vector is obtained comprising a pgk-neo cassette, and fragments of the α1,3GT gene. This is used for homologous recombination to eliminate α1,3GT activity in porcine embryonic fibroblasts. Costa et al., Alexion Pharmaceuticals (Xenotransplantion 6:6, 1999) report experiments with transgenic mice expressing the human complement inhibitor CD59. In α1,3GT knockout mice, the CD59 gene helped prevent human serum-mediated cytolysis. It had a similar effect in mice expressing α(1,2)fucosyltransferase. Combination of all three modifications provided no additional protective effect.

There have been no reports of the use of α1,3GT inactivated tissue suitable for xenotransplantation into humans. In view of the paucity of available organs for human transplantation, there is a pressing need to develop further options.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides technology for generating animal tissue with carbohydrate antigens that are compatible for transplantation into human patients. The tissue is inactivated homozygously for expression of α(1,3)galactosyltransferase, and comprises a transgene for α(1,2)fucosyltransferase. As a result, cell-surface N-acetyl lactosamine is not converted to the Galα(1,3)Gal antigen—but converted to Fucα(1,2)Gal, which is H substance, a self-antigen in humans.

One embodiment of this invention is a mammalian cell that is homozygous for inactivation of the α1,3GT gene (which means that the α1,3GT enzyme is not produced from either allele, whether or not the manner of inactivation is the same on both alleles). The cell also expresses an α1,2FT transgene, either by integration at a random site, or by replacing at least part of the encoding sequence in the α1,3GT gene with an α1,2FT encoding sequence (this means that the α1,3GT encoding sequence or a portion of it is no longer expressed, whether or not it is still present in the genome). In some cases, the α1,2FT encoding sequence is placed under control of the endogenous α1,3GT promoter.

In a related embodiment, the cells of this invention are adapted to express glycosyl transferase enzymes capable of synthesizing either the A determinant, the B determinant, or both, of the human ABO blood group.

Another embodiment of this invention is tissue from a mammal that has been genetically modified to be devoid of antibody-detectable Galα(1,3)Gal determinants that it would otherwise express. The tissue also expresses at least one ABO blood group substance, such as H substance, A substance, B substance, or any combination thereof, and may express other antigens such as Secretor substance or CD59. Another embodiment of this invention is tissue from a mammal that has been genetically modified to expresses α1,2FT de novo, and to suppress expression of endogenous α1,3GT.

A further embodiment of this invention is a non-human mammal that is homozygous for inactivation of the α1,3GT gene. The mammal also expresses an α1,2FT transgene, either randomly integrated into the genome, or replacing at least part of the encoding sequence in the α1,3GT gene. In a related embodiment, the mammal is transgenic for the ABO blood group A-transferase, B-transferase, or both. The genetically modified cells, tissues and animals of this invention can be from any vertebrate or mammalian species, of which sheep and pigs are exemplary.

Another embodiment of the invention is a process for making genetically modified cells by nuclear transfer. At least one allele of the α1,3GT gene in a donor cell is inactivated or replaced by any effective mechanism, as described later in this disclosure. The donor cell comprises an α1,2FT transgene, and optionally has increased telomerase activity to facilitate multiple targeting events or other genetic manipulations in a single generation. Following genetic manipulation, the nucleus of the donor cell is transferred to a recipient cell. Certain cells produced by this method can be used to create an embryo, which can be engrafted the cell into the uterus of a surrogate host to produce a birthed animal. Tissue of this invention can be harvested from the embryo, the birthed animal, or its progeny.

This invention also provides a system for selecting a cell that has undergone genetic alteration by homologous recombination from amongst a population of cells that do not have the alteration. The successfully targeted cell is identified and separated according to surface glycosylation that has changed as a result of the homologous recombination. The recombination event may inactivate an endogenous gene, or introduce a transgene, either of which may be a carbohydrate modulating enzyme, such as a glycosyltransferase or specific glycosidase in any combination. Altering carbohydrate modulating enzymes can be done for its own sake, or as a means for tracking inactivation of other endogenous genes or insertion of other genetic elements. Exemplary reagents and separation methods for use in this system are provided later in the disclosure. This cell selection system has important advantages for producing genetically altered cell types for a variety of purposes.

These and other embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the description that follows.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a map showing location of introns in the sheep α1,3GT gene. Designs are shown for targeting vectors that inactivate the sheep α1,3GT gene by homologous recombination. Each targeting vector comprises a selectable marker (neo), flanked on one side by an intron sequence of 1-2-kb, and on the other side by an intron sequence of 7-10-kb. A number of vectors have been obtained that target Exon 4, Exon 8, or Exon 9.

FIG. 2 compares the α1,3GT gene with three particular α1,3GT targeting vectors. Top Panel shows the targeting vector designated p0054. Middle Panel shows p0079. Lower Panel shows p0063. These vectors are designed to replace the coding region in Exon 4 (which contain the translation start site) with the selectable marker neo or pac.

FIG. 3 shows PCR analysis of sheep fetal fibroblasts targeted with the p0054 vector. Top Right Panel maps amplification primers where the expected product is 2.8-kb for native α1,3GT, and 2.2-kb after homologous recombination. Top Left Panel shows the corresponding amplified product. Lower Right Panel maps amplification primers where there is no expected product before recombination, but a 1.5-kb product after recombination. Lower Left Panel shows the corresponding amplified product. The results show that one of the samples is from a fibroblast that has successfully been targeted—replacing Exon 4 with the selectable marker. Since Exon 4 contains the translation initiation site, this would inactivate the α1,3GT gene.

FIG. 4 shows plasmid pGRN145, which causes cells to express telomerase reverse transcriptase (abbreviated here as hTRT), the limiting component of telomerase activity in most mammalian cells. Transcription is under control of the myeloproliferative sarcoma virus (MPSV) promoter.

FIG. 5 shows the growth profile for primary sheep fibroblasts transduced to express telomerase reverse transcriptase. Each line is a single clone, except BW6F23, which is the parental (untransfected) fibroblast line. ●=telomerase-expressing clones; ▴=telomerase-negative clones; □=clones that were telomerase-negative initially, but became positive later.

FIG. 6 shows targeting vectors that replace part of the α1,3GT encoding region with the full- length α1,2FT sequence. Top Panel shows a modification of the p0054 vector for inactivating the sheep α1,3GT. The human α1,2FT sequence is flanked by sequence of the α1,3GT gene that flanks the targeted region in Exon 4. Middle Panel shows a targeting vector for inactivating the pig α1,3GT gene, replacing the beginning of the encoding region with the drug resistance marker neo. Lower Panel shows an adaptation of the pig vector, with the human α1,2FT encoding sequence between the flanking α1,3GT sequences. Sheep or pig tissue having the α1,3GT inactivated on both alleles and replaced on at least one allele with α1,2FT will not form the Galα(1,3)Gal xenogeneic antigen. In its place, they form Fucα(1,2)Gal, which is H substance, a self-antigen in humans.

FIG. 7 provides fluorescent micrographs showing expression of the human α1,2FT gene in sheep fibroblasts does indeed cause cell-surface expression of H substance carbohydrate. Top Panel shows Ulex Europaeus (UEA) lectin staining of human 293 cells (a positive control). Middle Left Panel and Middle Right Panel shows staining of telomerized sheep cells of the B9 sheep cell line using DAPI or UEA lectin, respectively. Lower Left Panel and Lower Right Panel show staining for telomerized cells of the C9 sheep cell line using DAPI or UEA lectin, respectively. Both the B9 and C9 lines were lipofected with a vector containing the human α1,2FT gene. As a result of transfection, the lines now bind the UEA lectin, showing that the α1,2FT has synthesized H substance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The cell-surface carbohydrate antigen Galα(1,3)Gal is the linchpin for hyperacute rejection of tissue xenografts from animals into humans. For this reason, considerable effort has been made to obtain animal tissue lacking α(1,3)galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT), which is responsible for the synthesis of this determinant.

It is a hypothesis of this invention that simply inactivating α1,3GT expression may be suboptimal for tissue used in xenotransplantation.

There are two reasons. First, the acceptor substance for the α1,3GT enzyme is Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc (N-acetyl lactosamine). In the absence of α1,3GT, the galactose residue is presented at the terminus of the oligosaccharide branch, making it available for galectins of a corresponding specificity. The galectins constitute a family of animal lectins that have been implicated in cell adhesion and migration, tumor cell recognition, augmentation of immune defense, cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis (H.-J. Gabius, Eur. J. Biochem 243:543, 1997; G. A. Rabinovitch, Cell Death Differ.:711, 1999). Galectin-1 and galectin-3 are expressed pathologically in colon cancer, melanoma, fibrosarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, HTLV-1 infected T cells, and a variety of carcinomas (Perillo et al., J. Mol. Med. 76:402, 1998). It is hypothesized that a graft with unusual density of terminal galactose residues may act as a magnet for inflammatory cells, or for tumor metastases.

The second reason is that N-acetyl lactosamine is itself an epitope against which humans have naturally occurring antibodies. The antibodies of this specificity are not generally a problem, because they are cold agglutinins not reactive at body temperature. However, their presence indicates that the human immune system is immunologically primed. Display of N-acetyl lactosamine in the context of other foreign antigens on pig tissue may be sufficiently immunogenic to generate antibodies against the epitope that would mediate delayed rejection.

This invention provides a better alternative: replacing α1,3GT activity with α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (α1,2FT) activity. The transplant tissue is homozygously α1,3GT inactivated, and contains at least one copy of an α1,2FT encoding region. The α1,3GT product Galα(1,3)Gal is not synthesized. Instead, a normal proportion of the acceptor substrate is fucosylated to H-substance—rendering it inert to pathogenic activity of galectins and naturally occurring antibody in humans, since H substance is a self-antigen. The transplant tissue will have the equivalent histo blood group type O—which in terms of the ABO blood group major cross-match is the universal donor blood type.

The carbohydrate phenotype can be matched even more closely to that of the patient being treated. H substance synthesized on the tissue is in turn the precursor substance for the A and B blood group transferases. If the tissue contains an expressible copy of the gene for blood group A GlcNAc- transferase, or blood group B Gal-transferase, then it will convert a proportion of the precursor to A substance or B substance respectively. By having the appropriate glycosyltransferase enzymes present in the tissue, then animal tissue for xenotransplantation can be obtained from non-cattharine animals that have tissue type corresponding to blood group A, B, AB, and O.

This way, a xenograft can be matched exactly according to the ABO type of the patient being treated. In liver transplants, an ABO minor mismatch (such as a type O graft in a type A patient) can cause a graft-versus-host reaction, due to passenger lymphocytes in the transplanted tissue. The compositions and techniques provided in this disclosure make it possible to minimize immunological reaction either way due to mismatch of either the Galα(1,3)Gal antigen, or the ABO blood group antigens.

A series of complex genetic modifications of this nature has not previously been achieved in a large animal species. The engineering strategy provided in this description allows the skilled artisan to make all the genetic modifications required to a particular cell line as a matter of routine experimental optimization.

A particularly efficient manner of achieving α1,2FT gene replacement animals is to do the manipulations on a cell line (such as primary fetal fibroblasts) suitable for nuclear transfer and cloning into an animal. The genetic modifications and selection procedures typically involve considerable proliferation of the cells. It has been discovered that increasing telomerase activity in the cells helps preserve telomere length throughout the modifications, keeping the cells in a condition suitable for nuclear transfer. In addition, telomerizing the cell appears to increase the frequency of successfully targeted clones, and the effectiveness of nuclear transfer. It has been discovered that telomerase reverse transcriptase can be used from a different vertebrate species in order to achieve this result.

An established cell line of animal origin is first transfected with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) to extend its replicative capacity, and provide these other beneficial effects. It is then targeted sequentially on each allele to inactivate or replace the α1,3GT gene, selecting the cells for correct targeting events. Once all genetic manipulations are complete, the nucleus of the modified cell is transferred to a suitable recipient, and an embryo is formed according to established cloning techniques. Variations and alternatives to this strategy are also effective, as described in the following sections.

Definitions

For purposes of this disclosure, the term Galα(1,3)Gal (abbreviated GAL) refers to an oligosaccharide determinant present on endothelial cells and other cells of most non-primate mammals, for which humans have a naturally occurring antibody. The usual structure is Galα(1,3)Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc, although other forms of Galα(1,3)Gal specifically detectable by the naturally occurring anti Galα(1,3)Gal in human serum of B blood type are included. Galα(1,3)Gal is distinct from the Galα(1,3)[Fucα(1,2)]-Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc determinant characteristic of the human B blood type antigen.

An “antibody detectable” determinant refers to a determinant that is present in an amount and is sufficiently accessible so that it can be detected by an antibody specific for the determinant in an appropriate immunoassay—such as an agglutination reaction, optionally developed with an antiglobulin reagent, or by immunohistochemistry.

The term “α(1,3)galactosyltransferase” and the abbreviation “α1,3GT” refer to the enzyme present in non-primate mammals that catalyzes the formation of the Galα(1,3)Gal determinant by attaching Gal in the α(1,3) position to the Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc acceptor. α1,3GT has the Enzyme Commission designation EC 2.4.1.124. α1,3GT is not naturally expressed in humans, and the term does not include the galactosyltransferase that forms the human B blood group antigen.

The term “α(1,2)fucosyltransferase” and the abbreviation “α1,2FT” refer to the enzyme present in primate mammals that catalyzes the formation of the Fucα(1,2)Gal determinant (blood group H substance, a.k.a. ABO precursor substance) by attaching fucose in the α(1,2) position to the acceptor substrate N-acetyl lactosamine. α1,2FT has the Enzyme Commission designation EC 2.4.1.69. It is also known as FUT1, to distinguish it from Secretor blood group α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (FUT2), and other fucosyltransferases.

An “acceptor” substance for α1,3GT or α1,2FT is a carbohydrate structure that can act as a substrate and become further glycosylated as a result of transferase activity. Acceptors for α1,3GT include both Galβ(1,3)GlcNAc and Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc (Basu et al., J. Biol. Chem. 248:1700,1973; Blake et al., J. Biol. Chem. 256:5387,1981).

A-transferase is said to be “detectably expressed” by a cell at the mRNA level when mRNA encoding the transferase can be measured in the cell by some suitable technique, such as Northern analysis or PCR-reverse transcriptase. It may also be expressed at the protein level, as detected by a specific antibody or demonstration of the characteristic enzymatic activity. Scientists skilled in the art will recognize that some cells (such as mature red blood cells) do not express any glycosyltransferases, even though they display certain oligosaccharide determinants. Inhibition of α1,3GT expression is only meaningful in cells capable of expressing other glycosyltransferase enzymes.

A gene is said to be “inactivated” when it is rendered incapable of transcribing a functional protein. For example, an inactivated gene may be missing necessary transcription or translation control elements, it may be lacking an essential part of the protein encoding region, or the encoding region may be placed out of phase. In another example, the gene may be interrupted by an inserted sequence, or mutated in such a way as to interfere with transcription or translation of the gene product. In a third example, the inactivated gene may produce a translation product that has been altered in such a way that it lacks important enzymatic activity of the native gene product. A gene is also “inactivated” when the normal encoding region is switched with an encoding region for a different gene product with a different biological function.

In the descriptions of genetic modification and inactivation in this disclosure, it is understood that changes to the genome of a cell are inherited by progeny of the cell, unless further genetic manipulation occurs. Thus, it is possible to select the modified cells, let them proliferate, and then make a subsequent modification to the progeny. A sequence of genetic modifications made to cell and its ancestors are considered equivalent to making all the modifications to the same cell, unless explicitly directed otherwise.

A cell is said to be “transfected”, “genetically transformed”, or “genetically altered”, when the cell has been introduced with a recombinant polynucleotide, or is the progeny of such a cell. The alteration may (but need not) be integrated into the genome of the cell. Non-limiting examples include the following: 1. A cell containing a vector with a sequence encoding a protein of interest, capable of causing the protein to be expressed by the cell on a transient or inheritable fashion. 2. A cell containing a genetic construct for targeting an endogenous gene (whether or not the gene has been successfully targeted). 3. A cell containing a genetic modification introduced by recombinant means.

A cell is described as “telomerized” if it has been treated to increase the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and/or functional telomerase activity by any suitable means beyond the level usually expressed by cells of the same type in the same environment. Methods for telomerizing cells are illustrated in a later section of this disclosure. The term also applies to progeny of the originally treated cell that have inherited the ability to express telomerase at an elevated level.

The terms “polynucleotide” and “oligonucleotide” are used interchangeably to refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length. Included are genes and gene fragments, mRNA, cDNA, plasmids, vectors, synthetic nucleic acids, targeting constructs, nucleic acid probes, and primers.

A “control element” or “control sequence” is a nucleotide sequence involved in an interaction of molecules that contributes to the functional regulation of a polynucleotide, such as replication, duplication, transcription, splicing, or translation. Transcriptional control elements include promoters and enhancers.

The term “embryo” as it is used in this disclosure refers to an organism developing in the uterus of a species of interest at any time after fertilization or intrauterine transfer, not limited to a particular developmental period. The terms “engrafting” or “transplanting”, in reference to embryo manipulation, refer to any process known in the art for artificially introducing one or more embryos into the uterus of a female animal.

The term “tissue” refers to a heterogeneous collection of cells responsible for maintaining one or more physiological functions. Of interest for certain embodiments of this invention are organs suitable for transplantation, such as a whole kidney; however, the term also includes organ fragments and other embodiments, such as a piece of connective tissue, or a collection of cells in a medical support device.

General Techniques

In general, the practice of this invention can be carried out using standard techniques of genetic engineering, protein manipulation, and cell culture. Textbooks that describe standard laboratory techniques include the current editions of “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual” (Sambrook et al.); “Animal Cell Culture” (R. I. Freshney, ed.); the series “Methods in Enzymology” (Academic Press, Inc.); “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology” (F. M. Ausubel et al., eds.); and “Recombinant DNA Methodology II” (R. Wu ed.). Techniques used in raising, purifying and modifying antibodies, and the design and execution of immunoassays, are described in Handbook of Experimental Immunology (D. M. Weir & C. C. Blackwell, eds.); The Immunoassay Handbook (Stockton Press NY); and Methods of Immunological Analysis (Masseyeff et al. eds., Weinheim: VCH Verlags GmbH).

Texts that describe reproductive techniques and embryo transfer in animals include Manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society: A procedural guide and general information for the use of embryo transfer technology emphasizing sanitary procedures, 3^(rd) ed. (Stringfellow et al., Savoy, I L: International Embryo Transfer Society, Savoy I L); and Embryo transfer in farm animals: A review of techniques and applications (K. J. Betteridge, ed., Agriculture Canada Monographs No. 16, Ottawa, 1977).

References for human blood group substances include The Blood Group Antigen Factsbook (M. E. Reid & C. Lomas-Francis, ed., Academic Press, 1997); and Blood Cell Biochemistry: Molecular Basis of Human Blood Group Antigens (J. P. Carton & P. Rouger, eds., Plenum Pub. Corp., 1995). The synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and carbohydrate-specific enzymes are described in Oligosaccharides: Their Synthesis and Biological Roles (H. M. I. Osborn & T. J. Khan, Oxford Univ. Press, 2000) and Glycoscience: Synthesis of Oligosaccharides and Glycoconjugates (H. Driguez & J. Thiem, Eds., Springer Verlag, 1999).

Books on the general aspects of nuclear transfer, animal cloning, and xenotransplantation include The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control (I. Wilmut et al., Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2000), and Xeno: The Promise of Transplanting Animal Organs into Humans (Cooper & Lanza, Oxford University Press, 2000).

Strategy for Engineering Tissue with Xenocompatible Carbohydrate Antigens

This invention provides cells, animals, and tissues in which expression of α1,3GT is eliminated by inactivating the endogenous gene, and expression of α1,2FT is induced by introducing a transgene into the genome. In order to obtain complete suppression of Galα(1,3)Gal expression, the α1,3GT gene needs to be inactivated on both alleles. At least one copy of an expressible α1,2FT encoding region under control of a suitable promoter is also present to confer the desired phenotype.

A convenient method to make an animal with all these features is to perform all the genetic manipulations on a cell or cell population that is then used for cloning. To complete all the genetic manipulations, it is usually necessary to take the cell through a number of rounds of proliferation and selection. After the desired genotype has been obtained and selected, a cell selected from the population can be grown into an embryo (if it is an embryonic cell), or used as a donor for nuclear transfer into a suitable recipient cell, which in turn is used to grow the embryo.

The process can be considerably facilitated by increasing the replicative capacity of the cell population. In particular, increasing the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase sufficiently increases replicative capacity of the nuclear donor, while minimizing risk of transformation to a malignant phenotype, and conferring other advantages described earlier.

Using this approach, genetically modified cells can be created in which the α1,3GT gene is modified either simultaneously or sequentially on both alleles in the same cell line. One method for generating cells modified on both alleles is to use a single targeting vector in combination with a selection process that requires double integration. The double recombination event is statistically rare, but the extended proliferative capacity of the cell population puts batch screening for such an event within the scope of routine experimentation.

Another method for generating cells modified on both alleles is to use two different targeting constructs. The constructs can each be created with different selection markers that facilitate screening for double integration. For example, the cell can be targeted with a first targeting vector containing a first drug resistance gene, and selected using the corresponding drug. After a round of proliferation, the progeny can then be targeted with a second vector containing a second drug resistance gene, and selected using the second drug. In a variation of this technique, both targeting constructs are used at once, and selection of doubly modified cells is performed in a medium containing both drugs.

The desired phenotype can be obtained by inactivating both α1,3GT alleles, and separately introducing an α1,2FT expression cassette. Alternatively, targeting vectors can be used that removes the α1,3GT start codon, and inserts the α1,2FT expression cassette simultaneously. The α1,2FT encoding region can be provided with its own transcription control elements—or it can be placed under control of the endogenous α1,3GT promoter, which may help direct expression with an appropriate tissue distribution. Once all these manipulations have been made and verified, the cell can be used for cloning the embryo.

It is also possible to arrive at the desired phenotype by making some of the genetic modifications, cloning the embryo, and then making further modifications on a cell from the cloned fetus, newborn animal, adult, or subsequent progeny. For example, the α1,3GT gene can be inactivated or replaced with α1,2FT on one allele, and an animal cloned. Cells from the clone could then be harvested for inactivating or replacing the second α1,3GT allele, and recloned. A further option is to arrive at the desired phenotype by interbreeding—for example, by mating an animal with α1,3GT substituted with α1,2FT on one allele with another animal having a similar genotype (or with just an inactivated α1,3GT allele).

Increasing Telomerase Activity in the Nuclear Donor

Donor cells for genetic manipulation according to this invention are typically nucleated cells of the desired species with a germ line genotype, selected to be easily maintained in culture. Exemplary are primary fibroblast cells, which are relatively easy to prepare from most species. For example, cells are collected from sheep or pig fetuses at about 35 days of gestation, and subjected to mild trypsin/EDTA solution, then cultured in a suitable culture medium. Except where explicitly directed otherwise, the techniques of this invention can be applied to any cell type without restriction, including embryonic cells, primary cells from a fetus, offspring, or adult, and established cell lines from any vertebrate.

The replicative capacity of the nuclear donor cell is increased by increasing telomerase activity. This assists the cells in maintaining telomere length, thereby expanding the replicative capacity (the number of cell doublings possible before reaching the Hayflick limit and entering crisis). Typically, telomerase activity is modified before inactivation of the target gene, but such modifications are also permitted at a later stage in the procedure.

Increasing telomerase activity can be accomplished by a number of strategies, including but not limited to the following:

-   -   a) genetically altering the cell with a nucleotide having an         encoding region for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT);     -   b) artificially placing TERT protein or telomerase holoenzyme         into the cell;     -   c) altering TERT expression from the endogenous gene; or     -   d) altering expression of a telomerase related protein, thereby         effectively increasing telomerase activity.

A convenient method for increasing telomerase activity is to genetically alter the cells so that they express TERT, which is usually the limiting component of telomerase enzyme expression. A TERT gene can be cotransfected with a gene for the telomerase RNA component, or a TERT can be selected that is compatible with the RNA component already expressed by the cell.

It has been discovered that when cells from large mammals such as sheep and pigs are genetically altered with human TERT, they express increased telomerase activity, which indicates that the hTERT gene product can combine with endogenous RNA component to create a functional enzyme. It is a hypothesis of this invention that combinations of mammalian TERT into the cells of other mammals will often be effective.

The human TERT gene sequence is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,178, which also describes the use of TERT to increase replicative capacity of various cell types. The mouse TERT sequence is provided in International Patent Application WO 99/27113. Other publications with telomerase-related sequences include International Patent Application WO 98/21343 (Amgen); WO 98/37181 (Whitehead); WO 98/07838A1 (Mitsubishi); WO 99/01560 (Cambia), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,016 (Geron Corp.). U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,506 describes purified telomerase and methods for obtaining it. When TERT is referred to in this description, it is understood to mean a polypeptide comprising a TERT sequence from any mammalian, vertebrate, or other species, with or without alterations, so long as the polypeptide has telomerase activity when associated with telomerase RNA component, as measured by TRAP assay (described below) in the cell line being treated.

Typically, the vector will comprise a TERT encoding region under control of a heterologous transcription control element that promotes transcription in the intended undifferentiated or differentiated cell line. Sequences that can drive expression of the TERT coding region include viral LTRs, enhancers, and promoters (such as MPSV, SV40, MoLV, CMV, MSCV, HSV TK), eukaryotic promoters (such as β-actin, ubiquitin, elongation factors exemplified by EF1α, and PGK) or combinations thereof (for example, the CMV enhancer combined with the β-actin promoter). Expression of a marker gene can optionally be driven by the same promoter that's driving the TERT gene, either as a separate expression cassette, as part of a polycistronic transcript (in which the coding regions of TERT and the marker gene are separated by an IRES sequence, allowing both individual proteins to be made from a single transcript driven by a single promoter), or as part of the same cassette (a fusion between the coding regions of both TERT and the marker gene, producing a protein that provides the functions of both TERT and the marker gene). Transfection and expression of telomerase in human cells is described in Bodnar et al., Science 279:349, 1998 and Jiang et al., Nat. Genet. 21:111, 1999.

An alternative strategy is to use a vector that substitutes or supplements the promoter in the endogenous TERT gene with a regulatory control element (such as those listed above) that increase expression in the cultured cells. Further illustration of the general strategy of replacing promoters in endogenous genes can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,630.

When the nucleus of the telomerized cell is transferred to another cell and used to produce a cloned animal or embryo, the tissue will contain alterations to the genome of the donor cell. The presence of a recombinant TERT gene in a donor cell may have other consequences. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a mechanism for removing or otherwise inactivating the recombinant TERT gene once the telomeres have been elongated but before nuclear transfer.

This can be accomplished by flanking the TERT gene and/or the transcription control element on both sides with recognition sequences for a site-specific recombinase. Suitable are lox sites recognized by Cre recombinase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,317), and frt sites recognized by Flp recombinase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,301). Other site-specific recombinases include XerC (Becker et al., Curr. Microbiol. 32:232, 1996), XerD (Subramanya et al., EMBO J. 16:5178, 1997), xisF (Genes Dev. 8:75, 1994), and Int recombinase (Kolot et al., Mol. Biol. Reprod. 36:207, 1999; Tirumalai et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:6104, 1997). After all the genetic modifications are made to obtain the desired cell-surface carbohydrate antigens, the cell is treated with the corresponding recombinase (or an expression vector for the recombinase) to excise the TERT cassette before nuclear transfer.

Also contemplated are vectors in which a particular gene (such as a selectable marker) is flanked by one type of recombinase recognition site, and the TERT gene or control element is flanked with another type of recognition site. An example is the following:

-   -   5′arm-loxP-frt-neopA-frt-pGK promoter-hTERTpA-LoxP-3′arm         This allows the drug resistance marker (neo) to be removed from         the line after selection using the first recombinase (Flp),         while retaining TERT. Further genetic manipulation can then be         performed—for example, targeting the other allele of the same         gene, possibly using the same vector and selecting for neo         again. After all manipulation is complete, the TERT encoding         region can be removed using the second recombinase (Cre).

Another way of obtaining cells with genomic modifications that do not include TERT is to increase telomerase activity without integrating a TERT gene into the genome. For example, TERT can be transiently expressed using a suitable expression system such as adenovirus, or by introducing TERT protein (or the telomerase holoenzyme) directly into the cell. The TERT will be diluted out as the cell divides, but extension of telomeres in the parent cell should increase replicative capacity of the cell line by several doublings.

Another alternative is to upregulate TERT expression from the endogenous gene by upregulating expression of trans-activating transcriptional regulators. The TERT promoter contains a number of regulator recognition sequences, such as c-Myc, SP1, SRY, HNF-3β, HNF-5, TFIID-MBP, E2F and c-Myb. See International Patent Publication WO 00/46355.

A further alternative is not to increase TERT expression, but enhance the effective activity of telomerase already present in the cell. This can be done in cells that have an endogenous level of TERT expression, such as in bone marrow progenitor cells and gonadal tissue. For example, TRF1 and TRF2 are proteins that bind to telomere repeats and regulate access of telomerase (Smogorzewska et al., Mol. Cell Biol. 20:1659, 2000). Decreasing expression of such factors may enhance the ability of telomerase to increase telomere length, thereby increasing replicative capacity of the cell.

Evidence of increased telomerase expression can be obtained by a variety of techniques, including but not limited to determining gene transcript levels (for example, by Northern or RT-PCR analysis), protein expression (for example, by immunocytochemistry), or telomerase activity (for example, by primer extension assay). Extended lifespan or replicative capacity of the treated cells, while often desirable, need not be positively demonstrated for the invention to be put into practice, except where explicitly required.

Telomerase activity can be determined, for example, by TRAP assay (Kim et al., Science 266:2011, 1997; Weinrich et al., Nature Genetics 17:498, 1997), or other suitable technique (e.g., U.S. Patent 5,741,677). Evaluation of hTERT expression by RT-PCR or immunoassay can be done by standard methods, using the sequences disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,178. The following assay kits are available commercially for research purposes: TRAPeze® XK Telomerase Detection Kit (Cat. s7707; Intergen Co., Purchase NY); TeloTAGGG Telomerase PCR ELISAplus (Cat. 2,013,89; Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis Ind.); and LightCycler TeloTAGGG hTERT quantification kit (Cat. 3,012,344).

The cells can also be characterized as to their replicative capacity by passaging cells and monitoring the number of cell doublings. Unmodified fetal fibroblasts will typically grow through a number of doublings until they reach the Hayflick limit, and then enter into senescence. As illustrated in FIG. 5, cells may grow indefinitely if TERT continues to be expressed.

Modifying the Galactosyltransferase Gene

Once the cell line has been obtained and established in culture, genetic manipulations can be performed to: a) eliminate expression of the endogenous α1,3GT gene; and b) provide for expression of α1,2FT to fucosylate the same N-acetyl lactosamine acceptor.

There is a variety of ways the endogenous α1,3GT gene can be inactivated. For example, a control element that regulates transcription (such as a promoter or transcription start sequence) can be altered or deleted. Alternatively, the gene can be adapted so that any gene product that is produced lacks the essential features of a glycosyltransferase. The encoding region can be interrupted with stop codons, the encoding region can be placed out-of-phase, or critical portions of the protein may be missing, such as a structural component or a signal peptide for secretion. In another alternative, the gene can be adapted so that the protein product lacks the specificity of α1,3GT—either because the catalytic site is removed, or because substrate binding specificity has been sufficiently altered so that the enzyme is incapable of synthesizing the Galα1,3Gal linkage.

The α1,3GT gene can be targeted by homologous recombination, using a vector comprising nucleotide sequence identical or nearly identical to a portion of the gene of interest, linked to another structure capable of introducing the alteration. Such vectors typically have two regions flanking a region of the genome intended for deletion. Between the flanking regions, there is often an additional segment that becomes inserted in the gene in place of the region that is excised.

The insert region can include a selectable marker, so that targeted cells can rapidly be separated from untargeted cells. U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,396 describes a method for obtaining a cell containing a desired sequence in the cell's genome, by using a targeting vector having two regions homologous to the targeting sequence, flanking a sequence that is to be inserted, and having a selectable marker. The DNA undergoes homologous recombination at the target site, and recombined cells are recovered under selective culture conditions.

Positive selection markers include the neo gene, selectable using G418 or kanamycin; the hyg gene, selectable using hygromycin; the pac gene, selectable using puromycin; the gpt gene, selectable using xanthine; and hypoxanthine-phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), selectable using hypoxanthine. Negative selection markers include thymidine kinase (tk), selectable using acyclovir or ganciclovir; HPRT, selectable using 6-thioguanine; and cytosine deaminase, selectable using 5-fluoro-cytosine. Markers can also have an intrinsic label, like green fluorescent protein or β-galactosidase, which permit clones of targeted cells to be identified and selected.

Further methodology for homologous recombination is described in the published literature. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,464,764 and 5,631,153 provide a double-selection strategy, in which two sequences homologous to the gene target flank a positive selection marker, and a negative selection marker is attached to the 3′ terminal of the second flanking region. Homologous integration retains the positive selection marker, but eliminates the negative selection marker, whereas random integration usually retains both markers. Thus, by screening for both markers sequentially or together, cells that have been correctly targeted will be positively selected, and those that have been incorrectly targeted are selected out. U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,215 reports the use of homologous recombinant targeting vectors for modifying the cell genome of mouse embryonic stem cells. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,589,369 and 5,776,774.

Example 1 illustrates targeting vectors that are capable of inactivating the sheep α1,3GT gene (SEQ. ID NOs:3 & 4) via homologous recombination. Vectors p0054, p0079, and p0063 (Example 1, FIG. 2) are targeted to eliminate Exon 4, which contains the α1,3GT translation start codon. Other vectors have been obtained that target Exon 8 or Exon 9, which is thought to encode at least part of the α1,3GT catalytic site. The α1,3GT gene in other species can be targeted in a similar fashion, using probes having flanking sequence for the α1,3GT of that species. The bovine and porcine α1,3GT cDNA sequences are provided in SEQ. ID NOs:5-8.

The vectors comprise flanking regions identical to the targeted α1,3GT sequence, one side being about 1 kb, the other being at least 1 or 2 kb, in either order. In between the flanking regions is a selectable marker such as neo, designed to replace one of the Exons in the α1,3GT coding sequence. The selectable marker genes are not provided with their own promoter, and require continued translation through the upstream α1,3GT sequence in order to be expressed. This helps the marker select for properly integrated vector, because vector inserted at a random site will probably not link the marker gene to a suitable promoter, and resistance to the selector drug will not be conferred. In cells that normally express a high level of α1,3GT and the Galα(1,3)Gal epitope, the α1,3GT promoter will be highly active and the drug resistance marker will be strongly expressed. Thus, a higher concentration of selector drug can be used to select out cells that have the vector inserted elsewhere.

The insert region of the targeting vector can also contain an encoding region for α1,2FT. This way, inactivation of the endogenous α1,3GT gene and integration of the α1,2FT will occur simultaneously with a successful targeting event. The α1,2FT gene can be placed in the targeting vector linked to its own promoter, or the targeting vector can be constructed in such a way that the α1,2FT gene will be placed under control of the endogenous α1,3GT promoter once integrated.

Larsen et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:8227, 1989) describe the molecular cloning, sequence, and expression of human GDP-L-fucose: β-D-galactoside 2-α-L-fucosyltransferase cDNA that can form the H blood group antigen (i.e., α1,2FT). The nucleic acid sequence and encoded protein sequence is shown in SEQ. ID NOs:9 and 10. Wagner, et al. (Transfusion 37:284, 1997) provide allotypic variants of the human α1,2FT. Apoil et al. (Mol. Biol. Evol. 17:337, 2000) describe evolution of the α1,2FT gene in primates, and provide encoding sequences from Gorilla gorilla, Pan troglodytes, Macaca mulatta, and other higher primates. Any fucosyltransferase can be used if it converts the N-acetyl lactosamine acceptor to a determinant that is immunologically equivalent to H substance.

Vectors for replacing the α1,3GT encoding region in sheep and pigs with the human α1,2FT are shown in FIG. 6 (Example 4). The target cells are contacted with the targeting vector in such a manner that the vector gets entry into the cell nucleus and effects the intended change. Any suitable method of transfection can be used, such as electroporation and lipofection. The vector can also be truncated for insertion into a viral particle (such as an adenovirus vector) that can then be used to transduce the cells. Examples 2 and 5 illustrate the use of targeting constructs on sheep fibroblast cultures suitable for nuclear transfer.

As an alternative to homologous recombination, a target gene can be inactivated using triplex- forming oligonucleotides that induce intrachromosomal gene conversion (Luo et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:9003, 2000; Barre et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:3084, 2000). Other techniques and reagents can be found in Inonue et al., J. Virol. 73:7376, 1999; Cole-Strauss et al., Science 273:1386, 1996; Hasty et al., Mol. Cell Biol. 11: 4509,1991; and International Patent Publication WO 98/48005.

In instances where the α1,3GT gene has been inactivated without integrating an α1,2FT encoding region into the genome, a separate manipulation is required to confer the full phenotype. A vector is made for introducing the α1,2FT region, typically under control of a promoter that is active in an appropriate tissue distribution, such as the native α1,2FT promoter, or one of the model promoters listed earlier. The expression cassette can then be integrated into the genome at any location by any appropriate technique, such as homologous recombination, or transduction with a retroviral or DNA viral vector.

Selection and Characterization of Targeted Cells

Each genetic manipulation can be selected and verified according to genotypic and phenotypic markers.

Where cells have been transfected with a vector bearing a drug resistance marker, successfully targeted clones can be selected by culturing in a medium containing the corresponding drug. Modification of one or both alleles can be confirmed by PCR of genomic DNA, using primers from flanking endogenous α1,3GT sequence, showing that the segment length has changed, or using a primer for the inserted sequence in combination with an α1,3GT primer, showing that the sequence is integrated in the correct region. Southern analysis using probes for flanking endogenous α1,3GT sequence will show altered restriction analysis, and probes for the inserted sequence will confirm the presence and orientation of the insert. In-situ hybridization of genomic DNA can be used to verify the correct location of the modification.

Targeted clones can also be selected and verified based on gene transcripts and the resulting cell phenotype. mRNA can be characterized by Northern analysis or RT-PCR. Cells where the α1,3GT gene has been inactivated on both alleles will not express the Galα(1,3)Gal epitope. The determinant can be identified using a specific antibody or lectin. Purified antibody can be obtained from pooled human serum by adsorbing on an affinity column of Synsorb™ 115 (ChemBioMed, Alberta, Canada) or D(+) melibiose (Sigma). An alternative is the “IB4” lectin from Bandeiraea (Griffonia) simplicifolia (Sigma Cat. L 3019) which is specific for a-D-galactosyl residues (Hayes et al., J. Biol. Chem. 25:1904, 1976), and binds both the Galα(1,3)Gal epitope, and B blood group substance.

Antibody to Galα(1,3)Gal can be used to select for homozygous knockouts by complement lysis. Targeted cells are combined with a source of the antibody (such as human serum), and a source of complement, (such as fresh plasma from the same species as the cells, or commercially available guinea pig complement). The mixture is incubated at 37° C. for a sufficient period to lyse cells expressing Galα(1,3)Gal (or halt their growth), using untargeted cells as a control. Surviving cells should have α1,3GT inactivated on both alleles. Specific antibody or lectin can also be used to isolate homozygous knockout cells by affinity techniques, such as panning, affinity adsorption, or fluorescent-activated cell sorting.

Incorporation and expression of the α1,2FT encoding region can be determined using antibody or lectin specific for H substance. Ulex Europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-1) is a lectin with affinity for the terminal L-fucose on H substance (Matsumoto et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 194:180, 1969). The lectin can be used for immunoseparation of cells in which α1,2FT is active. Most mature pig and sheep cells do not normally bind UEA-1 (Spencer et al., J. Histochem. Cytochem. 40:1937, 1992; K. J. Fahey, Aust. J. Exp. Biol. Med. Sci. 58:557, 1980). UEA-1 is available from Sigma Chemical Co. or Vector Labs in purified form, labeled with fluorescein or biotin, or insolubilized on beaded agarose. Conrad-Lapostolle et al. (Cell. Biol. Toxicol. 12:189, 1996) describe optimization of UEA-1 magnetic beads for endothelial cell isolation. UEA-1 labeled with a fluorescent tag can be used to separate targeted cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

Using specific antibody and lectin in appropriate combination, it is possible to select cells with the full α1,3GT negative, α1,2FT positive phenotype without having drug resistance labels in the targeting vectors. For example, the cells can be targeted with a vector that substitutes α1,2FT for α1,3GT on one allele, and selected by positive adsorption to UEA-1. The selected cells are expanded, and then targeted with a similar vector to knock out the second allele. The targeted cells are then subject to complement lysis using antibody to the Galα(1,3)Gal determinant in human serum, or depleted of cells binding IB4 lectin. Surviving cells are again expanded, cloned, and analyzed for correct genotype, expression of α1,2FT mRNA, lack of expression of α1,3GT mRNA, and correct expression of cell surface oligosaccharide determinants. Of course, drug selection, affinity selection, and selection by other criteria can be combined in any effective combination to obtain the phenotype desired.

ABO Transferases and Other Transgenes

Group H substance formed by α1,2FT in turn can be used as an acceptor for the human ABO histo blood group transferases, to create the allotypic markers characteristic of a particular ABO blood type. Blood group A-transferase adds GalNAc to the Gal residue on Fucα(1,2)Gal-GlcNAc, to form GalNAcα(1,3)[Fucα(1,2)]Gal-GlcNAc (A substance). Blood group B-transferase adds Gal instead to form Galα(1,3)[Fucα(1,2)]Gal-GlcNAc (B substance).

Certain embodiments of the invention provide animal tissue that not only expresses H substance, but also has at least some of it converted to A or B substance. To provide tissue of the human A blood group, the cells express blood group A-transferase in one or more copies. To provide tissue of the human B blood group, the cells express blood group B-transferase. To provide tissue of the human AB blood group, the cells express both A-transferase and B-transferase.

The nucleotide and protein sequence of human A-transferase and B-transferase are provided in SEQ. ID NOs:11-14. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,068,191 and 5,326,857. ABO transferase enzymes of other primate species can be found in Sumiyama et al., Gene 259:75, 2000. The transferase encoding sequence is placed in a vector suitable for introducing a transgene into the cell, for example by homologous recombination or retrovirus transduction. The sequence is linked to transcription control elements that promote expression in the appropriate cell types, such as the homologous transferase promoter, the α1,3GT promoter, or the α1,2FT promoter. Cells are then selected for successful targeting, and characterized according to whether they express A or B substance (for example, using antibody from human blood group B or A serum, respectively).

If desired, the cells can be adapted with other genetic modifications to enhance its suitability for the ultimate purpose. Xenocompatibility can be enhanced by increasing expression of complement inhibitor such as CD59, DAF or MCP (International Patent Application WO 97/12035). It is also believed that tissues or organs containing cells that are genetically modified to render them incapable of expressing CD40 antigen have lower risk of chronic xenograft rejection (International Patent Application WO 00/39294). Other xenogeneic antigens, such as that identified in WO 00/57912 or histocompatibility markers, can also be deleted or humanized to increase immunocompatibility.

Carbohydrate Tags as a Selection System for Homologous Recombination

Surface carbohydrate-based cell selection (as described above and illustrated in Example 5) was conceived and developed as a general system for identifying targeted homologous recombination events in any context. The advantages of using carbohydrate determinants as selection markers are multiple:

-   -   A change in carbohydrate determinant can be generated either by         introduction of a new carbohydrate modulating enzyme, or by         inactivation of carbohydrate modulating enzyme expressed from an         endogenous gene. Where a new transgene is introduced into the         cell, it can be a close homolog to a naturally occurring enzyme,         thereby minimizing antigenic complications from the protein         itself.     -   The strategy of sorting by inactivation of an endogenous         carbohydrate modifying enzyme is particularly attractive,         because the change is effected only by integration of the vector         into the correct locus. This is important, because the frequency         of integration into random (non-target) sites can be10-fold         higher than the frequency of correct homologous recombination.     -   Many glycosyltransferases (such as those that create the blood         group antigens) are expressed in a wide variety of cell types         from the endogenous promoter (Ravn et al., APMIS 108:1, 2000),         meaning that inactivation screening can be designed that is not         cell-type restricted.     -   A wide variety of lectins is available for robust separation of         the cells either by adsorption or fluorescent tagging         techniques. Elution of the selected cells can be accomplished         under gentle conditions using carbohydrate competitor ligand.     -   Since cell-surface carbohydrate determinants are modulated by         enzymes such as a glycosyltransferase or a glycosidase, the         density of surface determinants is catalytically (not         stochiometrically) related to the amount of protein translation.         Increased antigen density may enhance the likelihood of         successful antibody or lectin-based separation.

Negative selection according to this system can be accomplished by designing the targeting vector to interrupt the encoding sequence for the target carbohydrate modulating enzyme with a sequence that prevents transcription or translation of the functional gene product. The targeting vector may optionally include other elements to be introduced into the target site, such as a transgene or recognition sequence for a site-specific recombinase.

Positive selection according to this system can be accomplished by including in the targeting vector a glycosyltransferase or glycosidase that is not endogenous to the species or phenotype of the cell being targeted. After the targeting reaction, cells are selected for the determinant created by the encoded modulating enzyme, and then checked for proper integration of the vector. Putting the modulating enzyme into the cell need not be the ultimate objective of targeting, it can just piggyback on the vector as a way of following the reaction. The ultimate objective of targeting could be to inactivate an endogenous gene (which may but need not encode another carbohydrate modulating enzyme). It could also be to introduce another genetic element into a particular locus—such as a different transgene (powered by a different promoter or separated from the enzyme encoding region by an IRES sequence), or a recognition sequence for a site-specific recombinase. Where the enzyme encoding region is present in the targeting vector only for use as selection tag, it can optionally be removed after the targeted cell line is established—for example, by site specific recombination.

Carbohydrate binding means that detect modulations in carbohydrate determinants include specific antibody (anti-A, present in blood group B serum; anti-B, present in blood group A serum; and anti-Galα(1,3)Gal, present in virtually all human serum). Also included are specific lectins. The following are available commercially: H-specific lectins from Anguilla anguilla, Tetragonolobus pupureas, and Ulex europaeus UEA-1, which of course also binds Galα(1,3)Gal. A-specific lectins from Helix pomatia, Dolichos biflori, Helix aspersa, Phaseolus limensis, and Bandeiraea simplicifolia (IA4). B-specific lectin: Ptilota plumosa, and Bandeiraea simplicifolia (IB4).

Methods of separation can involve adhering the antibody or lectin to a solid surface, contacting the surface with the cells, and collecting cells that adhere or do not adhere to the solid surface. Other methods of separation involve conjugating the antibody or lectin with a fluorescent, phosphorescent, or other labeling means, contacting the cells with the labeled tag, and then separating tagged from non- tagged cells, for example, in a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Another separation method involves using antibody to bind the distinguishing determinant on the cells, thereby opsonizing them for complement-mediated lysis.

In principle, this selection system can be used in any eukaryotic cell capable of expressing distinguishable carbohydrate determinants on the cell surface. As illustrated at various places in this disclosure, the system can be employed on cells of most vertebrate or mammalian species.

An illustrative example of the use of this system is the modification of pluripotent stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells or germ cells (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,200,806 and 6,331,406; International Patent Publications WO 99/20741 and WO 01/51616) or their derivatives (WO 01/81549; WO 01/88104). The cells are first genotyped for ABO blood group by PCR amplification (Lee et al., Forensic Sci. Int. 82:227, 1996). Cells that are AO or BO genotype have the advantage that knocking out the single enzymatically active allele will change the surface phenotype of the cell.

The ABO locus is then targeted with a vector containing a genetic element to be introduced into the genome of the cell, flanked on either side by portions of the A- or B-transferase genomic sequence. Cells that are successfully targeted are separated by their ability to bind the Helix pomatia lectin for A-substance, or the IB4 lectin for B-substance. Accuracy of the targeting can be confirmed, for example, by PCR amplification or Southern analysis of genomic DNA. An advantage of this strategy is not only the effective selection of the targeted cells, but the fact that the ABO blood group enzyme is inactivated as a consequence—giving the cells the blood group O phenotype, which makes them universal donor cells with respect to ABO blood group.

In a variation of this example, positive rather than negative selection is used to follow gene targeting. Cells are selected that have the OO genotype, and targeted at the ABO locus by a vector that introduces A- or B-transferase flanked on each side by site-specific recombinase recognition sequences. Cells are positively selected for binding to Helix pomatia or IB4 lectin. Then the cells are transfected to transiently express the corresponding recombinase enzyme. As a result, the active transferase is excised, and the cells revert to the blood group O phenotype, leaving a single recombinase recognition sequence in the locus. This then can be used to introduce a variety of transgenes into the line by site- specific recombination. It is a theory of this invention that since ABO blood determinants are expressed on most nucleated cells, this site will facilitate stable expression of the transgene—since it may be immune to inactivation that might occur elsewhere in the genome as the cells proliferate and proceed down the differentiation pathway.

A second illustration of the carbohydrate mediated selection system is the use of fluorescently labeled lectins and single-cell sorting to rapidly obtain cells in which the α1,3GT gene has been replaced with α1,2FT.

Early passage animal cells are transfected by electroporation with 10 μg NotI linearized p0090 (a promoterless vector that targets the α1,3GT locus and inserts α1,2FT; Example 4). Only cells that integrate the α1,2FT sequences downstream and in-frame to an active promoter will express α1,2FT protein, and hence present H substance on the cell surface. Following transfection, a period of 24 hours of growth in complete medium is sufficient to allow expression of α1,2FT and synthesis of H substance on the cell surface (FIG. 7).

Cells expressing α1,2FT and synthesizing H substance are isolated by their ability to bind UEA-1 lectin as follows. The transfected culture is washed with HEPES buffer (0.15 M NaCl, p. 01 M HEPES, pH 7.5) and then incubated for 30 min with rhodamine conjugated UEA-1 lectin (Vector Labs), diluted 1:50 in HEPES buffer. Excess lectin is removed by three washes with HEPES buffer. Cells binding the lectin are separated by FACS analysis (Becton Dickenson) such that individual fluorescent cells deposited into single wells of a 96-well plate—thereby avoiding cultures that contain mixed populations of targeted and non-targeted cells. As an alternative to the single-cell sorting technique, the targeted cell population can be seeded at a density of ˜50 cells in a 10 cm dish. After growth and expansion, the resulting colonies (>100 cells per colony) are ring-cloned and deposited to 96-well plates for DNA analysis.

The cells are allowed to proliferate in complete growth medium until cultures are subconfluent. At this time, the cells are replica plated; one plate for cryopreservation and later recovery, and the other plate for DNA analysis by PCR. Wild type and targeted α1,3GT alleles are detected using sense (399010, 5′-CAGCTGTGTG GGTATGGGAG GG-3′; SEQ. ID NO:27) and antisense (499006, 5′-CTGMCTGAA TGTTTATCCA GGCCATC-3′; SEQ. ID NO:28) PCR primers, yielding products of 3.0-kb and 2.4-kb, respectively. A second PCR screen with primers 399010 (SEQ. ID NO:27) and 399111 (5′-TGACGATGGC TCCGGAGCCA CAT-3′; SEQ. ID NO:40) produces a fragment of 1.7-kb only in clones that are correctly targeted. Successful targeting can be confirmed by Southern blot analysis.

The genetically altered cells can then be used for nuclear transfer, establishing additional cell lines, or for any other desirable purpose.

Nuclear Transfer

Cells that have been successfully targeted and selected according to this invention can be used as nuclear donors by transferring into an enucleated recipient cell.

Suitable recipient cells include oocytes or any other pluripotent cell that is capable of developing into a fertile embryo after transfer and activation. International Patent Application WO 97/07669 (Roslin Institute) describes quiescent cell populations for nuclear transfer. International Patent Application WO 97/07668 (Roslin Institute) describes inactivated oocytes as cytoplast recipients for nuclear transfer. For purposes of prosecution in the U.S., these patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Nuclear transfer methods are particularly effective if the nucleus of the donor cell is quiescent, which can be achieved by culturing the donor cell in a serum-free medium (WO 97/07669). In an exemplary method, the nucleus of a donor cell is transferred into an oocyte that is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division, and subsequently activating the reconstituted cell. Briefly, unfertilized metaphase II oocytes are collected as follows: Female animals are synchronized using progestagen sponges for ˜14 days, and induced to superovulate with single injections of follicle- stimulating hormone on two successive days. Ovulation is induced or synchronized with a suitable dose of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone or an analog thereof (e.g., ˜8 mg GnRH Receptal™, Hoechst, UK) on the following day. The oocytes are recovered by flushing from the oviduct one day later, washed, and enucleated by treating with cytochalasin B and aspirating the nucleus using a glass pipette. Enucleated oocytes are then placed into contact with a single cell that acts as the nucleus donor.

Fusion of the donor nucleus into the enucleated recipient cell is effected by placing the couplet in a fusion chamber and aligning it between the electrodes. Electrical pulses are then applied to induce fusion, typically a low-voltage AC pulse for several seconds, followed by a plurality of very short high- voltage DC pulses. Following an incubation period, activation is induced by application of an additional electrical pulse. The reconstructed zygote is then cultured for a time before engrafting into a surrogate female. Further details and alternative procedures are described in the patent publications cited above.

Estrus in the surrogate female is typically synchronized artificially using a suitable combination of inducing agents. Cameron et al. (Aust. Vet. J. 66:314, 1989) discuss synchronization methods and other practical aspects for commercial embryo transfer in pigs. Blum-Reckow et al. (J. Anim. Sci. 69:3335, 1991) report experiments relating to transfer of pig embryos after long-term in vitro culture. Replacing medium every 12 h during culture improved survival, and pregnancy rate improved if the sexual cycle of recipients was 24 h behind that of the donor.

The embryos are introduced into the uterus of the recipient female using any suitable technique, including devices adapted for the purpose, or appropriate surgical methods. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,505 describes surgical procedures for embryo transplants in animals, in which the uterine horn is positioned in the peritoneal cavity proximate to the vaginal wall, a cannula is inserted through the vaginal wall and into the uterine horn, and the embryo is introduced through the cannula. Non-surgical methods include using a suitable device to manipulate the injection port through the folds of the cervix to the bifurcation of the uterus. For example, devices and techniques for porcine non-surgical embryo transfer are reported by Li et al. (J. Anim. Sci. 74:2263, 1996). Wallenhorst et al. (J. Anim. Sci. 77:2327, 1999) describe the effect of transferring pig embryos to different uterine sites.

Preparation and Use of Tissue Expressing ABO Blood Group Determinants

Once an animal has been obtained that has the desired genetic alterations, tissue can be harvested and characterized.

The genomic features of the α1,3GT locus, and expression of α1,3GT or α1,2FT transcripts can be verified using criteria already described. Density of Galα(1,3)Gal and H substance on the cell surface can be determined using specific antibody or lectin in immunocytochemistry or fluorescence labeled flow quantitation methods. Susceptibility of the cells to complement lysis can be determined as follows. Tissue cells from the animal are suspended and labeled with ⁵¹Cr. The labeled targets are combined with diluted human serum as a source of both antibody and complement, and then incubated for several hours at 37° C. Release of the ⁵¹Cr label correlates with density of Galα(1,3)Gal on the surface of the target cells. For further details of assays for α1,3GT inactivation and Galα(1,3)Gal determination, the reader can consult U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,991.

If the animal is confirmed to be α1,3GT negative and α1,2FT positive, it can be used for investigational purposes, or as a source of any tissue type that is desired for xenotransplantation. Possible harvest tissue includes but is not limited to whole organs, such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, eyes, and pancreas; solid tissue, such as skin, cartilage, pancreatic islets, and vasculature of various types; and cell suspensions, such as progenitor cells for regeneration of neural tissue, hematopoietic tissue, hepatocytes, or other cell types.

If the animal has the α1,3GT gene replaced with α1,2FT on both chromosomes, the phenotype should breed true. However, if there is only one α1,2FT gene, then of course it will segregate in the progeny of the cloned animal according to mendelian genetics. The α1,2FT positive phenotype can be maintained by testing the phenotype of each offspring, in combination with an appropriate cross-breeding strategy. Alternatively, the α1,3GT negative α1,2FT positive parent can be cloned as needed to provide the required amount of tissues and organs for research and commercial use.

Cells and tissue harvested from α1,3GT inactivated, α1,2FT expressing tissue can be tested for compatibility according to standard protocols. Antigen expression can be determined by immunocytochemistry, using the IB4 lectin or antibody obtained from human serum. Compatibility with the potential recipient is assessed in part using recipient's serum to test the tissue for cytochemical staining, or in a cytotoxicity assay. Xenotransplantation can be modeled in non-human animals that do not normally express the Galα(1,3)Gal antigen, including GAL knockout mice (see Gock et al., Xenotransplantation 7:237, 2000) or cattharine non-human primates.

The following examples provided as further non-limiting illustrations of particular embodiments of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Construction of Vectors for Inactivating Galactosyltransferase

This example describes vectors that inactivate the α(1,3)galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) gene by homologous recombination.

The sequence of the sheep cDNA for α1,3GT is shown in SEQ. ID NOs:3 & 4. To develop genomic constructs, DNA was isolated from Black Welsh Mountain fetal fibroblasts, and a λDASHII phage library was constructed. Sau3A partially digested genomic DNA was dephosphorylated and ligated to compatible BamHI vector arms (Stratagene). The ligation products were packaged to produce recombinant phage, which were propagated on spi selective XL1-Blue-MRA(P2) bacterial cells. The resulting library had a complexity of 1.4×10⁶ recombinants, and was subsequently amplified once. Six phage clones were isolated that spanned Exon-4, Exon-6-7 and Exon-9.

Recombinant phage designated B, C and G, have been deposited as a pooled sample with the National Collections of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited (NCIMB), Aberdeen, U.K, under Accession No. NCIMB 41056. The phage can be separated using the oligonucleotide probes 5′-GGGAGGMGC GMGGTGCA-3′ (SEQ. ID NO:15), 5′-CTTGATGGGT TTATCCAGM CA-3′ (SEQ. ID NO:16) and 5′-TGATAATCCC AGCAGTATTC-3′ (SEQ. ID NO:17), respectively. Each recombinant phage has also been deposited separately with the NCIMB under the following Accession numbers: Clone B, No. 41059; Clone C, No. 41060; and Clone G, No. 41061.

FIG. 1 maps the sequenced intron regions of α1,3GT to their positions in the gene. Exon 4 contains the translation start codon. Also shown are designs for exemplary targeting vectors that disrupt gene expression by excising Exons 4 and 9 by homologous recombination.

Several recombinant vectors were constructed for targeting Exon 4 of the sheep α1,3GT gene. The vector comprises two regions that are complementary to genomic sequence; a 1.2-kb 5′ arm, which includes sequence from Intron 3 leading up to and including the start codon in Exon 4, and a ˜9-kb 3′ arm that initiates 1.5-kb into Intron 4, continuing to Intron 5. Separating these regions is neo^(R)-polyA sequence. After homologous recombination, the vector confers neomycin phosphotransferase resistance to the cells and deletes 1.5-kb of genomic sequence, including the first coding exon of α1,3GT gene. The entire cassette was cloned into pBlueScript™ for propagation in DH5α bacterial cells.

FIG. 2, Top Panel, shows the vector designated p0054. It was constructed by amplifying a truncated left arm (300 bp, includes EcoRI site) (using primers 199001, 5′-ACGTGGCTCC AAGAATTCTC CAGGCAAGAG TACTGG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:18; and 199006, 5′-CATCTTGTTC MTGGCCGAT CCCATTATTT TCTCCTGGGA AAAGAAAAG-3′, with tail complementary to the start of neo coding sequence, SEQ. ID NO:19), and a neo-polyA sequence obtained from Stratagene (using primers 199005, 5′-CTTTTCTTTT CCCAGGAGAA AATAATGGGA TCGGCCATTG AACAAGATG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:20, with tail complementary to left arm; and 199004, 5′-CAGGTCGACG GATCCGAACA AAC-3′, SEQ. ID NO:21). These fragments were used to prime from each other to give a 1.2-kb fusion product. This was ligated to Intron 3 sequence, to extend the left arm, and to −9-kb of 3′ sequence to create the right arm, which initiates 1.5-kb into Intron 4, continuing to Intron 5.

FIG. 2, Middle Panel, shows the promoterless neo-polyA insertion vector designated plasmid p0079. This vector contains the same left arm-neo-polyA fusion as in vector p0054, but with a modified right arm of 3.9-kb. The 3′ region comprises a 1.5-kb fragment, generated by PCR (using primers 200011, 5′-CAGATCTAAC GAGGATTCAA TGTCAAAGGA AAAGTGATTC TGTCAAT-3′, SEQ. ID NO:22; and 499006, 5′-CTGMCTGAA TGTTTATCCA GGCCATC-3′, SEQ. ID NO:23), which extends from the second codon in Exon 4 into Intron 4, replacing the sequence deleted in p0054. The 3′ arm was extended by ligation to a 2.4-kb EcoRV downstream fragment.

FIG. 2, Lower Panel, shows the promoterless pac-polyA replacement vector designated plasmid p0063, also directed towards Exon 4. Construction of this vector was similar as for p0054, except that it contains the pac gene, which codes for puromycin N-acetyltransferase, rather than the neo gene. The pac sequence is available in plasmid pPUR from ClonTech. The oligonucleotide primers used to generate the 5′-pac-polyA fusion were, for the 5′ region, 199001 (SEQ. ID NO:18) and 699002 (5′-GCGCACCGTG GGCTTGTACT CGGTCATTAT TTTCTCCTGG GAAAAGAAAA G-3′, SEQ. ID NO:24), with tail complementary to the start of pac coding sequence; and, for pac-polyA, 699004 (5′-GAGAAAATAA TGACCGAGTA CAAGCCCACG GTGC-3′ SEQ. ID NO:25), with tail complementary to left arm, and 699005 (5′-CTGGGGATCC AGACATGATA AGATAC-3′ SEQ. ID NO:26).

Example 2 Targeting the Galactosyltransferase Gene

Electroporation conditions were optimized using a β-galactosidase marker plasmid, pCMV-Sport-βgal (Gibco). Using a 0.4 cm cuvette with 3×10⁵ cells (0.8 mL, 6 μg plasmid DNA) and a setting of 250 μF: 400 Volts (Gene Pulser, BioRad), 10-30% of the surviving fibroblasts stained positive for β-gal expression.

For targeting the α1,3GT gene, 10, 25 or 100 μg of NotI linearized p0054 vector was mixed with 1×10⁷ early passage Black Welsh Mountain fetal fibroblasts and pulsed. Cells were grown on tissue culture plastic for 24 h before G418 (300 μg/mL) was applied. After 10-14 days, colonies were isolated.

FIG. 3 shows the results of site specific recombination detected by PCR amplification. Wild type and targeted α1,3GT alleles were detected using sense (399010, 5′-CAGCTGTGTG GGTATGGGAG GG-3′; SEQ. ID NO:27) and antisense (499006, 5′-CTGMCTGAA TGTTTATCCA GGCCATC-3′; SEQ. ID NO:28) PCR primers, yielding products of 2.8-kb and 2.2-kb, respectively. A second PCR screen with primers 399010 (SEQ. ID NO:29) and 399005 (5′-AGCCGATTGT CTGTTGTGCC CAGTCAT-3′; SEQ. ID NO:30) produced a fragment of 1.5-kb only in clones that were correctly targeted. The frequency of site- specific recombination was 1 in 52 (6 in 312) clones in the 1 μg experiment or 1 in 88 (10 in 877) from all electroporations.

In parallel experiments, sheep fibroblasts were targeted with a vector designed to inactivate the prion protein (PrP) gene. This gene is heavily implicated in disease pathology of spongiform diseases such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The sheep PrP gene sequence is provided in Goldmann et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:2476, 1990.

The frequency of site-specific recombination observed in these experiments is shown in Table 1: TABLE 1 Gene Targeting Efficiency in Primary Sheep Fibroblast Cultures Drug Targeting Colonies Parental Target resistant events suitable for culture locus colonies detected nuclear transfer Black Welsh α1, 3GT 877 10 (1.1%) 0 (0%) Black Welsh PrP 533  55 (10.3%) 1 (0.2%) Finn Dorset α1, 3GT 568 35 (6.2%) 2 (0.4%)

Nuclear transfer is typically conducted as follows. Oocytes are harvested from adult female breeding sheep treated with an analogue of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (Buserelin™, given 24 h after sponge removal). The oocytes are stripped of cumulus cells by triturating with a pipette and incubating with hyaluronidase. They are then enucleated by removing the first polar body and metaphase plate. A single targeted nuclear donor cell is introduced under the zona of each oocyte. The cell combination is subject to simultaneous electrofusion and activation (0.25 kV cm⁻¹ AC for 5 sec. to align oocyte and donor cell, followed by 3 pulses of 1.25 kV cm⁻¹ DC for 80 μsec to fuse and activate the reconstructed embryo). The activated cell is maintained in culture overnight at 39° C. Next day, the cells are embedded in agar chips to protect from macrophages, and then transferred to the ligated oviduct of a temporary recipient.

Estrous is controlled in the temporary recipient by treatment with intravaginal progestagen sponge for 11 to 16 days, with or without subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of 500 i.u. of PMSG. The timing brings the temporary recipients to estrus ˜3 days before the oocyte donors. Cells are collected under general anesthesia using barbiturate followed by gaseous anesthetics. The reproductive tract is exposed by midventral laparotomy; placing ligatures of silk at each uterotubal junction, and embryos are transferred through the fimbriated end of the oviduct. The laparotomy is then closed, and a long-acting antibiotic is administered. The embryos are flushed from the temporary recipient after 6 days, and developing embryos are removed from the agar chip.

Blastocysts and morula are then transferred into the recipients that will carry the embryo to term. Estrus is controlled by treatment with an intravaginal progestagen sponge for 11 to 16 days, bringing the final recipients to estrus simultaneously with the oocyte donor. The permanent recipients are anesthetized by intravenous barbiturate and gaseous anesthetics, the reproductive tract is exposed by mid-ventral laparotomy, and the oviduct or uterus is temporarily cannulated for transfer of the embryos. Alternatively, three small puncture incisions are made anterior to the udder, and a laparoscope, manipulating forceps and needle are inserted for manipulation of the uterus. The oviduct or uterus is temporarily cannulated for transfer of the embryos, and the incision is sutured closed.

Recipients of oocytes with a targeted nucleus, engrafted in the manner outlined, were monitored for the status of their pregnancy by subcutaneous ultrasonic scanning on a weekly basis. For animals maintaining their pregnancy, the progress of the fetus is monitored regularly by ultrasound, and brought to term. Results are shown in Table 2. The longest-lived animal born with a PrP knockout survived 12 days. TABLE 2 Nuclear Transfer from Gene Targeted Primary Cells Nuclear donor cell Parental Finn α1, 3GT PrP Stage of Animal Cloning Dorset targeted targeted Reconstructions 126 142 454 Morula and blastocyst 33 21 43 Fetuses at day 60 5 5 8 Lambs at birth; live (dead) 0(2) 0 3(1) Lambs alive at 1 week 0 0 1

Example 3 Telomerizing Nuclear Donor Cells

A vector containing an expression cassette for telomerase reverse transcriptase was found to increase functional telomerase activity and replicative capacity in sheep fibroblasts suitable for nuclear transfer.

FIG. 4 is a map of plasmid pGRN145. It contains sequences encoding telomerase reverse transcriptase (abbreviated here as hTRT) with a consensus Kozak sequence downstream of the myeloproliferative sarcoma virus (MPSV) promoter. It also contains puromycin and hygromycin resistant gene sequences and allows drug selection of the transfected clones.

Primary sheep fibroblast cell line designated BW6F2 (passage 6, obtained from a Black Welsh sheep) was transfected with linearized pGRN145. The cells were plated in 96 well plates, and selected using puromycin at 1 μg/mL. PCR screening with puromycin primers showed that all but one of the selected clones contained the vector sequence.

Fourteen of the clones were developed into cell lines. hTERT expression was measured in the cloned sheep fibroblasts by Western blot and by immunocytology. Functional telomerase activity was measured by TRAP assay, and was found to be positive in 10 of these clones, compared with the original BW6F2 line.

In order to determine the replicative capacity of the cloned fibroblast cell lines, the cells were passaged continuously using standard culture conditions.

FIG. 5 shows the growth curves for these cells. Each line represents a single clone designation, except BW6F23, which is the parental (untransfected) line. The solid circles represent telomerase-expressing clones, and the solid triangles represent telomerase-negative clones. Open squares represent clones that were telomerase-negative initially, but became positive later. All telomerase-negative clones became senescent towards the end of the growth curve, as did the parental BW6F2 cells.

The clones expressing hTERT have been grown through at least 260 population doublings (PDs) and still grow like young cells. Cells transfected with a control plasmid without hTERT cDNA or the transfected cells not expressing hTERT grew less than 83 PDs. The parental cells only replicate through 127 PDs, when they become senescent.

The hTERT expressing sheep fibroblasts were also analyzed to determine whether or not the hTERT expressing cells showed signs of transformation to a malignant phenotype by karyotype analysis, response to serum starvation (0.1% serum for 7 days, followed by resynchronization for 24 h in 10% serum). Telomere length was assessed by extracting DNA from cloned cells using a blotting assay. The DNA was digested with RsaI and HinfI, separated on 0.7% agarose, blotted onto a nylon membrane, and probed with ³²P-labeled (TTAGGG)₃ oligonucleotide.

It was found that by passage ˜150, some clones have telomere shortening (GRN 1-1,2-7 and 2-8), while others show no change (GRN 2-1,2-5 and 2-10), or show elongated telomeres (GRN 2-2). Clones with higher hTERT expression levels (detected by Western blot and immunostaining with 1A4 antibody) maintained their telomere length, while clones with lower hTERT expression levels were typically the ones showing shortened telomeres.

A summary of results from these experiments is shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Characteristics of Telomerized Sheep Fibroblast Clones PCR for TRAP assay Population Response to Desig- puromycin (telomerase doublings serum Contact nation gene activity) observed starvation inhibition Karyotype GRN 1-1 + − 354 Normal Normal Normal (p54-56) (p72) (p14, p49) GRN 1-2 + − → + 289 Normal Normal Normal (p50) (p47) (p8, p35) GRN 2-1 + + 264 Normal Normal Normal (p50) (p43) (p13, p80) GRN 2-2 + − → + 294 Normal Normal Normal (p30) (p48) (p52) Abnormal (p90) GRN 2-3 + −  37^(a) n.d. n.d. n.d. GRN 2-4 + −  75^(a) n.d. n.d. n.d. GRN 2-5 + + 279 Normal Normal Normal (p54) (p46) (p12, p86) GRN 2-7 + + 314 Normal Normal Normal (p62) (p64) (p15, p97) GRN 2-8 + + 318 Normal Normal Normal (p60) (p52-53) (p15) GRN 2-10 + + 166^(b) n.d. n.d. Abnormal (p13) GRN 2-12 + + 293 Normal Normal n.d. (p50) (p51-53) GRN 2-13 + + 258 Normal Normal Normal (p47) (p48-49) (‘p16) GRN 2-18 − −  83^(a) Abnormal n.d. n.d. (p18) GRN 2-20 + − → ? 113^(b) n.d. n.d. n.d. ^(a)Cells became senescent ^(b)Growth curve stopped

Example 4 Vectors for Substituting the Galactose Transferase Gene with Fucosyltransferase

Vectors for substituting the encoding sequence for α1,2FT into the α1,3GT behind the endogenous promoter have been made by modifying the knockout vectors for neo (p0054) and puro (p0063).

FIG. 6, Top Panel, shows a map of the sheep α1,2FT substitution vector. A 1 kb RV-R1 fragment was cloned into KpnI-RI cleaved modified pBS (pBluescript™, Stratagene), hence destroying the original RV site as follows. The 5′ arm (gal)-FT fusion, which lacks a polyA site, was produced by PCR. The 5′ arm was amplified with primers 199001 (5′-ACGTGGCTCCA AGAATTCTCCA GGCAAGAGTAC TGG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:18) and 700001 (5′-CTG ACG ATG GCT CCG GAG CCA CAT TAT TTT CTC CTG GGA AAA GAA MG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:31), the latter having complementarity to human α1,2FT.

The human α1,2FT sequence (GenBank accession NM000148, SEQ. ID NO:9) was amplified from mRNA prepared from the 293 cell line (a permanent line of primary human embryonal kidney transformed by human adenovirus type 5 DNA; ATCC Accession No. CRL-1573). The following primers were used: 700002 (5′-ATA ATG TGG CTC CGG AGC CAT CGT CA-3′; SEQ. ID NO:32) and 700003 (5′-AM GGA TCC {umlaut over (TCA )} AGG CTT AGC CAA TGT CCA GAG T-3′; SEQ. ID NO:33). The products of 0.3 kb and 1.1 kb, respectively, were mixed in a PCR reaction in which they primed from each other to give a 1.4 kb fragment that was cloned into RI-BHI cut vector from above. This fusion has been sequenced and is correct.

A fragment containing the SV40 poly A site, produced from synthetic oligos (700004, 5′-GAT CCG GGG ATC GGC AAT AAA AAG ACA GAA TAA AAC GCA CGG GTG TTG GGT CGT TTG TTC CTC GAG GTC GAC GAT-3′, SEQ. ID NO:34; 700005, 5′-ATC GTC GAC CTC GAG GAA CAA ACG ACC CAA CAC CCG TGC GTT TTA TTC TGT CTT TTT ATT GCC GAT CCC CG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:35), was ligated 3′ of the FT coding sequence between BHI and RV sites. Finally, to complete the 3′ arm of the vector, two separate fragments (a ˜7 kb RV-NotI then a 2.4 kb RV) were added. The vector was designated p0090.

FIG. 6 also shows construction of a pig promoterless α1,2FT substitution vector. The middle panel of the figure shows pPAGTarget1, a vector comprising porcine a1,3GT sequence for inactivating α1,3GT in pig cells. The vector is digested with StuI/NsiI to release a small amount of 5 and 3′ α1,3GT sequence, and also the neopA cassette. The NsiI site is blunt ended with DNA polymerase. A PCR fragment fusing 5′ pig α1,3GT with α1,2FT-polyA is then made. Oligonucleotides galF (CCTATGCAAA TTAAGGTAG AACGCAC, SEQ. ID NO:36) and galR (5′-CTGACGATGG CTCCGGAGCC ACATTATTTT CTCCTGGGA AAAGAAAAG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:37), with part of the latter being complementary to the α1,2FT sequence, produce a 200 bp fragment. Oligonucleotides FTF (5′-ATAATGTGG CTCCGGAGC CATCGTCA-3′, SEQ. ID NO:38) and FTR (5′-CTCGAGGAA CAAACGACCC AACACCCGTG-3′, SEQ. ID NO:39), directed to SV40 poly-A, produce a 1.2 kb α1,2FT poly-A fragment.

These fragments are fused by PCR, polished with T4 DNA polymerase, 5′ phosphorylated, and ligated into the StuI/NsiI polished vector, to produce the targeting vector shown at the bottom of FIG. 5. The vector is linearized with NotI or SalI when used for targeting.

Example 5 α1,2FT Gene Expression in Telomerized Fibroblasts

Primary Black Welsh fibroblasts (designation BW6F2) were transfected with the hTERT gene as described in Example 3. The characteristics of telomerized clone GRN1.1 are described in Example 3.

GRN1.1 cells at passage 5 or 25 were resuscitated into T175 flasks and grown to subconfluency. Cells (2.8×10⁶, passage 5; 8.3×10⁶, passage 25) were electroporated with 10 μg of NotI linearized p0054 targeting vector, using a setting of 125 μF: 350 V in Flowgen™ 0.4 cm/800 μl cuvettes. Diluted cells were plated to 20×96 well plates. The next day, G418 (600 μg/mL) was added to the medium to begin the selection process. Cell death appeared after 8-10 days in G418, much longer than when using parental BW6F2 cells. Colonies were observed after ˜2 weeks and replica plated (41 colonies from passage 5 cells; 2 colonies from passage 25 cells) on day 20 of selection.

PCR analysis was conducted on DNA isolated from selected colonies. One correct targeting event (clone B9) was detected from the passage 5 electroporation. This clone and eight non-targeted clones were resuscitated in 24 well plates. All clones grew to confluency. The B9 (correctly targeted) cell line, and the C9 cell line (one of the eight containing randomly integrated α1,3GT) grew fastest. Clones B9 and C9 have been karyotyped, and both are 54XY.

Thus, telomerized sheep fibroblasts were successfully targeted with the promoterless neo α1,3GT targeting vector, p0054. The targeted clone (B9) has been expanded, and retains a stable karyotype. This clone exists as a pure population of targeted cells and continues to grow at passage 17 (˜80 doublings). Successfully targeted clones can be used for replacing the α1,3GT gene on the other allele with α1,2FT, using the targeting vectors obtained in Example 4.

To ensure that the α1,2FT encoding sequence in the fusion vector produces functional enzyme, the α1,2FT sequence was PCR'ed and subcloned between the NheI and BamHI sites of pEGFP—C1 (ClonTech), thereby replacing the GFP sequence in the vector to form a pCMV-α1,2FT-pA cassette. This plasmid was designated p105. The vector was transfected into the B9 and C9 telomerized α1,3GT- targeted lines by lipofection. After 48 h, the cells were washed in PBS and fixed in cold acetone for 10 min at 4° C. Samples were washed in Hepes buffer (0.15 M NaCl, 0.01 M Hepes, pH 7.5) and incubated with UEA-1 rhodamine (Vector Labs) diluted 1:50 in Hepes buffer. After washing in Hepes buffer, the samples were mounted in DAPI containing Vector Shield T.

FIG. 7 shows the results. Normally, sheep fibroblasts do not stain with the UEA-1 lectin, since they do not bear H substance. Staining of human 293 cells is shown here as a positive control. As a result of transfection, both the B9 and C9 sheep cell lines now specifically bind UEA-1, showing that expression of the human α1,2FT gene in sheep fibroblasts does indeed cause synthesis of H substance carbohydrate on the cell surface.

The compositions and procedures provided in the description can be effectively modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention embodied in the claims that follow.

Sequence Data

TABLE 4 Sequences listed in this Disclosure SEQ. ID NO: Designation Reference  1 Human Telomerase Reverse GenBank Accession NM 003219 Transcriptase cDNA sequence U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,178  2 Human Telomerase Reverse GenBank Accession NM 003219 Transcriptase amino acid U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,178 sequence  3 Sheep α1,3GT cDNA sequence This Disclosure.  4 Sheep α1,3GT amino acid This Disclosure. sequence  5 Bovine α1,3GT cDNA sequence GenBank Accession J04989 Joziasse et al. “Bovine α1 -> 3- galactosyltransferase” J. Biol. Chem. 264, 14290 (1989)  6 Bovine α1,3GT amino acid GenBank Accession P14769 sequence Joziasse et al. (1989), supra.  7 Pig α1,3GT cDNA sequence GenBank Accession L36152 Sus scrofa alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase mRNA. Strahan et al. “cDNA sequence and chromosome localization of pig α1,3 galactosyltransferase” Immunogenetics 41, 101 (1995) See also GenBank Accession L36535 Sandrin et al. “Characterization of cDNA clones for porcine a(1,3)galactosyltransferase” Xenotransplantation (1994)  8 Pig α1,3GT amino acid sequence GenBank Accession L36152 Strahan et al., supra.  9 Human α1,2FT (FUT1) cDNA Larsen, et al. “Molecular cloning, sequence, and sequence expression of a human GDP-L-fucose:beta-D- galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase cDNA that can form the H blood group antigen” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 6674 (1990) GenBank Accession NM 000148 10 Human α1,2FT (FUT1) amino acid Larsen, et al., supra. sequence GenBank Accession NM 000148 11 Human Yamamoto, et al. “Cloning and characterization of Fuc-α1,2Gal-α1,3GalNAc (Blood DNA complementary to human UDP-GalNAc:Fuc- Group A) transferase α1,2Gal-α1,3GalNAc transferase” J. Biol. Chem. cDNA sequence 265:1146-1151 (1989) GenBank Accession J05175 12 Human Yamamoto, et al., supra. Blood Group A-transferase GenBank Accession J05175 amino acid sequence 13 Human Yamamoto. “Homo sapiens B-specific alpha 1 -> 3 Fuc-α1,2Gal-α1,3Gal galactosyltransferase (ABO) mRNA, ABO-*B101 (Blood Group B) transferase allele, complete cds.” (direct submission) cDNA sequence GenBank Accession AF134414 14 Human Yamamoto, supra. Blood Group B-transferase GenBank Accession AF134414 amino acid sequence 15 to 40 Probes and PCR primers This Invention. 

1. A method for selecting a mammalian cell that has undergone a genetic alteration by homologous recombination from amongst a population of cells that do not have said alteration, comprising separating cells according to a surface carbohydrate determinant that has changed as a result of the homologous recombination.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the homologous recombination inactivates an endogenous gene in the cell that encodes an enzyme affecting a surface carbohydrate determinant.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the homologous recombination introduces a transgene into the genome of the cell that encodes an enzyme affecting a surface carbohydrate determinant.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the homologous recombination introduces a site-specific recombinase recognition sequence into the cell.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the homologous recombination also introduces a transgene into the genome of the cell that that encodes an enzyme affecting a surface carbohydrate determinant.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the endogenous gene encodes a glycosyltransferase, but the transgene does not.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the transgene encodes a glycosyltransferase, but the endogenous gene does not.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein both the endogenous gene and the transgene encode different glycosyltransferases.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the endogenous gene encodes α(1,3)galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT), A-transferase, or B-transferase.
 10. The method of claim 3, wherein the transgene encodes α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (α1,2FT), A-transferase, or B-transferase.
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein the endogenous gene encodes α1,3GT, and the transgene encodes α1,2FT.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the transgene from the cell having the genetic alteration subsequent to separating it from cells without the genetic alteration.
 13. The method of claim 1, comprising combining the cell population with antibody and complement, such that the antibody binds to a glycosylation determinant present only on cells without the genetic alteration and thereby opsonizes the cells for complement lysis.
 14. The method of claim 1, comprising labeling cells with an antibody specific for a glycosylation determinant present only on cells without the genetic alteration, and removing cells that have bound the lectin or antibody.
 15. The method of claim 1, comprising labeling cells with an lectin specific for a glycosylation determinant present only on cells without the genetic alteration, and removing cells that have bound the lectin or antibody.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cells are labeled with fluorescently conjugated UEA-1 lectin, Helix pomatia lectin, or IB4 lectin.
 17. The method of claim 15, comprising sorting single cells from the population into separate wells of a microtiter plate.
 18. The method of claims 17, comprising labeling cells with an antibody or lectin specific for a glycosylation determinant present only on the cell that has the genetic alteration, and collecting the cell that has bound the lectin or antibody.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell population is a population of human pluripotent stem cells.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell population is a population of non-human cells suitable as donors for nuclear transfer into recipient cells of the same species. 